Detroit, MI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
638,530
0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$39,938/yr
0.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
329,393
1.0% year-over-year change

Detroit population

How many people live in Detroit

Detroit is home to 638,530 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.4% of Detroit locals are male, and 52.6% are female.

Total population
638,530
0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.4%
302,768
Female
52.6%
335,762
Value Percent YoY change
Male 302,768 47.4% 0.1%
Female 335,762 52.6% 0.5%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Detroit is 35, with the population distributed as follows: about 20.8% are children under 15, then 13.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27.5% of the population, while another 23.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
35.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.8%
15 to 24
13.2%
25 to 44
27.5%
45 to 64
23.5%
Over 65
15.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 132,528 20.8% -0.7%
15 to 24 84,246 13.2% 0.1%
25 to 44 175,686 27.5% 0.4%
45 to 64 149,792 23.5% -0.2%
Over 65 96,278 15.1% 2.4%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Detroit, 92.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 11.6% of locals are Caucasian, 75.3% are African American and 1.7% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
92.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4%
Non-citizens
3.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 589,294 92.3% -0.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 25,794 4% 14.5%
Non-citizens 23,442 3.7% 10.3%
Racial breakdown
White
11.6%
Black or African American
75.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
1.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6%
Other
5%
Value Percent
White 74,173 11.6%
Black or African American 480,821 75.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 2,434 0.4%
Asian 11,115 1.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 101 0%
Two or more races 38,115 6%
Other 31,771 5%

Households in Detroit

A peek inside Detroit households

Detroit has 257,998 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 51.7% are families, while the remaining 48.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
257,998
1.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
124,690
Family households
133,308
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 124,690 48.3% 2.1%
Family households 133,308 51.7% 1.7%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Detroit

The housing landscape of Detroit

Detroit's housing consists of 329,393 units, with 64.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 7.1% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
329,393
1.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 211,819 64.3%
1 unit, attached 23,305 7.1%
2 units 21,214 6.4%
3 or 4 units 8,034 2.4%
5 to 9 units 7,811 2.4%
10 to 19 units 11,637 3.5%
20 to 49 units 13,118 4%
50 or more units 30,978 9.4%
Mobile home 1,381 0.4%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 96 0%
Homes built since 2020
769
68.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Detroit

In Detroit, the median construction year is 1947. About 36.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 20.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 2.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 1.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 119,443 36.3% 3.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 66,903 20.3% 0.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 69,830 21.2% -1.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 25,657 7.8% 1.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 15,447 4.7% -3.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 10,294 3.1% -1.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 7,037 2.1% -7.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 8,578 2.6% -3.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 5,435 1.6% 9.2%
Built in 2020 or later 769 0.2% 68.3%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Detroit occupancy rates

Out of the 257,998 occupied housing units in Detroit, 50.4% are owner-occupied, while 49.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 21.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
257,998
1.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
128,103
Owner occupied
129,895
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 128,103 49.6% 0.7%
Owner occupied 129,895 50.4% 3.1%
Unoccupied housing units
21.7%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Detroit housing costs

Housing costs in Detroit come to a median of $899 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,074.

Median housing costs per month
$899/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Detroit
$1,074/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Detroit

Detroit education at a glance

About 46.3% of the population in Detroit went to high school, while 25.9% pursued college studies. Another 6.6% earned an associate degree and 10.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 22,003 4.6% 0.2%
High school diploma 222,077 46.3% -0.2%
College diploma 124,258 25.9% 0.1%
Associate degree 31,507 6.6% 1.0%
Bachelor's degree 49,093 10.2% 2.7%
Graduate degree 30,981 6.5% 3.3%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Detroit

How much people earn in Detroit

The average annual household income in Detroit was $57,223 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $39,938, reflecting a +0.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Detroit
$57,223/year
1.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Detroit
$39,938/year
0.9% year-over-year change

Detroit income by age

In Detroit, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $43,100. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $39,815 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $30,622, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $36,847 in earnings. Overall, 67.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $30,622 4.7%
25 - 44 $43,100 2.8%
45 - 64 $39,815 -0.8%
Over 65 $36,847 -0.2%
Above poverty level
419,070
Below poverty level
201,417
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 419,070 67.5% -1.3%
Below poverty level 201,417 32.5% 4.0%

Average renter income in Detroit

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Detroit, their median household income was $28,992 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 44.5%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$28,992
Rent-to-income ratio
44.5%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Detroit

Workforce and job types in Detroit

The job market in Detroit is powered by 231,293 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 70.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 29.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.8% run their own businesses, 70.9% are employed by private companies, and 11.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
231,293
-0.1% year-over-year change
White collar
163,838
Blue collar
67,455
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 163,838 70.8% 0.8%
Blue collar 67,455 29.2% -2.2%
Employer type
Self employees
7.8%
Private companies
70.9%
Governmental workers
11.4%
Not for profit companies
9.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 18,116 7.8% 10.6%
Private companies 163,916 70.9% -1.2%
Governmental workers 26,413 11.4% 0.3%
Not for profit companies 22,848 9.9% -0.7%
Unemployment rate
14.0%
-1.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Detroit stands at 14%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Detroit

How people get around in Detroit

Commuting methods vary: 76.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.8% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 169,989 76.1% -1.8%
Taxicab 2,048 0.9% 29.5%
Bus or trolleybus 10,671 4.8% -19.1%
Subway or elevated 8 0% N/A
Railroad 6 0% -14.3%
Ferryboat 21 0% 0.0%
Motorcycle 121 0% 17.5%
Bicycle 977 0.4% -6.3%
Walk 6,321 2.8% -8.1%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Detroit by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
48201 15,091 8,182 $24,749 $61,117
48202 15,780 7,581 $43,627 $66,420
48203 20,049 8,534 $38,404 $60,358
48204 20,696 8,863 $34,468 $48,870
48205 34,187 12,951 $38,966 $50,411
48206 15,227 6,337 $45,046 $62,717
48207 20,848 11,502 $47,831 $68,272
48208 8,037 3,978 $36,194 $64,817
48209 27,184 9,211 $43,161 $56,245
48210 26,722 8,321 $37,838 $48,212

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FAQs about Detroit demographics 

What is the total population of Detroit?

Detroit has a total population of 638,530 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Detroit?

The gender ratio in Detroit is as follows:
  • 47.4% males (302,768 residents)
  • 52.6% females (335,762 residents)

What is the median age in Detroit?

The median age in Detroit is 35.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Detroit?

The age distribution in Detroit is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20.8% (132,528 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.2% (84,246 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27.5% (175,686 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.5% (149,792 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.1% (96,278 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Detroit?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Detroit is as follows:
  • White: 11.6% (74,173 residents)
  • Black or African American: 75.3% (480,821 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (2,434 residents)
  • Asian: 1.7% (11,115 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (101 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6% (38,115 residents)
  • Other: 5% (31,771 residents)

What percentage of the population in Detroit are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 92.3% of the population in Detroit.

How many housing units are there in Detroit?

There are 329,393 housing units in Detroit, reflecting a +1.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Detroit and what is the average household size?

Detroit has a total of 257,998 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Detroit?

Detroit has a median household income of $39,938, representing a +0.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Detroit?

The employment rate is 86% in Detroit, with a workforce of 231,293 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 70.8% (163,838 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 29.2% (67,455 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.8% (18,116 residents)
  • Private companies: 70.9% (163,916 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.4% (26,413 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.9% (22,848 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025